CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A Cherry Hill father is calling for action after a school bus dropped off his autistic son at the wrong house.
Stuart Chaifetz wants state lawmakers to pass tougher rules on training bus drivers and aides after his 12-year-old son was left last month at a home six doors down from his, WCBS 880’s Levon Putney reported.
“I’m going public to ask the government and Legislature to stand up and take some action,” Chaifetz said.
NJ Dad Calls For Tougher Bus Laws After Autistic Son Dropped Off At Wrong House
Chaifetz said the bus driver did not check to see if anyone was at the house before leaving him there.
When the homeowner returned from walking the dog 10 to 15 minutes later, there was a 5-foot, 4-inch 12-year-old with a backpack in the living room.
The woman recognized the boy and walked him home, Chaifetz said.
“I honestly believe that every good grace was shining on us,” Chaifetz said.
“There were woods right behind the house,” he added. “So if he had gotten out of the house, he could have wound up anywhere. This was as serious as it gets for me.”
The school district has apologized to Chaifetz and said it has instructed bus drivers to make sure they are leaving kids with parents or guardians.
Chaifetz said he blames the bus company, not the school district. He said he does not plan to sue over the incident.
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